Freshman 15
The Dreaded “Freshman 15”
At some point this month there will be many teens packing up for college and thinking about so many things regarding their new life venture: dorm life, making new friends, challenging schedules, and more. And in the midst of the many things to think about, another thought that can pop up is the fear of the dreaded “Freshman 15.”
What is the “freshman 15”?
The “freshman 15” is the terms referring to the idea that college students will gain 15 pounds during their first year at school. While a popular concept, this idea is actually a myth. There are definitely some students who do gain weight in their first year of college, however, the gain is closer to 3-10 pounds. And there are also plenty of other students who either lose weight or stay the same weight. So it’s important for students entering their freshman year to know the “freshman 15” is certainly not a guaranteed thing.
So what’s the worry?
While the “freshman 15” might be a myth in that every freshman college student is not coming home for winter break 15 pounds heavier, there are some considerations when it comes to diet and exercise given the many changes faced by teens who are now living away from home for the first time. What are some of the considerations?
- Eating in an all-you-can eat dining hall is very different from eating prepared meals at home where quantities are limited.
- Eating out with your friends can be very different from sitting down to meals with your family – especially when those family meals include healthy foods cooked in a healthy manner.
- Food options (like French fries, ice cream and other snacks and treats) are often more readily available and easy to access in the dining halls on campus than in your kitchen at home.
- Many teens who played sports in high school will no longer be playing sports in college and will be generally less physically active.
Add of these things up, along with a lack of education about how to adjust to staying fit in a college atmosphere, there is certainly potential to gain weight.
What can lead to weight gain at college?
So what you can you do to prevent the 6 behaviors listed above from wreaking havoc on your waistline?
If you have any concerns about maintaining your weight while at college, or about how to adjust to your new environment when it comes to your diet and exercise, check in with your doctor or speak to your parents or another trusted adult about making some plans to make sure you stay healthy and fit through your transition to college.
If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers or visit your college campus health center.